Mumbai Police Act on Extortion Threat
The Mumbai Crime Branch has issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Harichandra alias 'Harry Boxer', an alleged member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The circular was issued in connection with an alleged threat made against prominent Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh, demanding a ransom of ₹20 crore. This development underscores ongoing concerns regarding organized crime targeting high-profile individuals in the Indian entertainment industry.
According to police officials, the action was initiated after Ranveer Singh's manager, Vijay Subramanian, received a threatening voice note on their WhatsApp number. The sender of the audio message identified himself as 'Harry Boxer' and allegedly demanded the substantial ransom.
Details of the Threat and Investigation
The threatening voice note, which was reportedly sent from a US-based phone number, is currently a central piece of evidence in the ongoing investigation. Police sources indicate that calls were also made from an international number, believed to be linked to the Virgin Islands.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has undertaken several steps in its probe:
- The threatening voice note has been sent to authorities in Punjab and Haryana for forensic verification.
- Official communication has been initiated with US authorities to gather technical details related to the foreign number used to send the threat.
- An FIR (First Information Report) was registered based on the complaint filed by Ranveer Singh's manager.
- Security around Ranveer Singh's residence has been significantly tightened, and the actor has been advised to exercise caution.
Preliminary findings suggest that the voice in the audio clip may match that of Harry Boxer, though further evidence is being collected to conclusively establish his involvement.
'Harry Boxer' and the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Harichandra alias 'Harry Boxer' is described as a native of Rajasthan and a key operative within the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He is reportedly known for his involvement in multiple high-profile threat and extortion cases targeting celebrities.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has gained notoriety for its alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including extortion and targeted violence against public figures. The gang has previously issued threats to other Bollywood personalities, including Salman Khan.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence on January 31, which the Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility for. Investigators are examining potential connections between the threat to Ranveer Singh and the earlier incident involving Rohit Shetty.
Broader Implications for Bollywood
The repeated targeting of Bollywood figures by organized crime syndicates like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has raised significant concerns within the industry. These incidents highlight the persistent challenges faced by celebrities and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb such criminal activities. The issuance of the LOC against 'Harry Boxer' is a crucial step in the investigation, aiming to prevent him from leaving the country and facilitating his apprehension.
5 Comments
Bermudez
LOCs are just a band-aid. The real gang leaders are still out there.
Africa
Excellent move, showing these criminals they can't get away with it.
Coccinella
It's good to see the police taking swift action with the LOC, but this incident shows how vulnerable even top celebrities remain to organized crime. We need more than reactive measures.
ZmeeLove
Good job, Mumbai Police! Crack down hard on these gangs.
Habibi
Tightening security around Ranveer Singh is absolutely necessary given the threat, and the police are doing their part. Yet, the continuous targeting of stars like Salman Khan and now Ranveer suggests a systemic issue within the industry that security alone cannot fully address.